Georgian troops have launched a full-scale bombardment of separatistsin the breakaway region of South Ossetia, raising the risk of all-outwar with Russia and other former Soviet states.

In a televised statement, the Georgian president, Mikhail Saakashvili,said Russian aircraft had bombed several Georgian villages and othercivilian facilities. He said there were injuries and damage to thebuildings.

"A full-scale aggression has been launched against Georgia," he said,before urging Russia to immediately stop the bombing. "Georgia willnot yield its territory or renounce its freedom," he said.